Oscar Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tylwyth_Eldar" title="User:Tylwyth Eldar">Tylwyth Eldar</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameOscar Cichlid
Scientific NameAstronotus ocellatus
Common NamesOscar Cichlid, Oscar Fish, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River, Paraná River
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)14
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)74-80
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesOther large, robust cichlids (e.g., Green Terror, Jack Dempsey), Large Plecos, Silver Dollars, Arowana (in very large tanks)
Description
The Oscar Cichlid is a large and intelligent freshwater fish known for its distinctive patterns and interactive personality. Native to the Amazon Basin, they require spacious aquariums and robust filtration due to their size and messy eating habits. They are predatory and can be territorial.
